CMS GE Basic + CMS TS 75 + CT(L) Mini Hepa / CTL Sys - add. Kapex?

[six-point socket]

Hi all!

I spent a good hour at my Festool dealer yesterday because I fell in love with the CTL Sys, I also wanted to take a closer look at the Festool circular/track saws and possible table saw conversion.

From what I understand the CMS GE Basic is the table/substructure and I add the CMS TS 75 which consists of the TS 75 track saw and the module to fix the TS 75 into the table and obviously I want to add a dust extractor to the setup, the CT(L) Mini. (And while I'm thinking about the work to come, maybe the dust extractor should be even one size larger)

In addition to using the TS 75 stationary, I will use it with the guide rail and thought to keep a CTL Sys at hand for those times, especially when I just have to make a few smaller cuts.

What I like to learn is, if the combination TS 75 + CMS Table and dust extractor is a good, versatile all-round choice or if I should be prepared to also look into the miter saw/ Kapex range.

Up until now I don't have a miter saw and the table saw I have is a small "no name" product I bought a few years ago especially for one project and have only used it a couple of times since then.

Now that I want to re-model a few rooms in my place, first of all my workshop, then the kitchen and a walk in dressing room I see the need for an upgrade of at least the table saw, but I guess adding a miter saw to the mix also can't be a bad choice. What I'm really hoping for is being able to make precise cuts faster, especially for drywall substructure and stuff the like, here I definitely see the Kapex being #1 choice. Clean cuts when shortening doors (here's where I especially see the TS 75), precise and clean cuts, straight and angled that only need minimal attention afterwards when building drawers, shelves and cupboards. (Here's where I'm not really sure if I will need/profit from a Kapex over the TS 75/CMS Table

So what's everyones take on this?

Thank you very much and kind regards,
Oliver

 

[rizzoa13]

For the type of work your outlining id say your most important tool of those would be the miter saw. You don't necessarily need a kapex as your first miter box. You'd honestly be fine with a Bosch 12" slider at half the price of the kapex. The CMS with the track saw inside it would also probably be a waste for you.

Pick yourself up a decent jobsite tablesaw. The new dewalts have a nice auto adjusting fence and are decent to use.

Definately get yourself a TS -75 and spring for a long rail on top of the short rail it comes with. Joining the festool rails is a major pain, enough to make me want to get out of their rails and into another brands. That being said if you have the longer rail and dont need to join it often then that concern is null and void.

Dust extractor- I've got a ct-36 and it can be obnoxious to move and carry around id suggest smaller than that maybe a midi for your needs.

With those 4 tools and maybe evn stands for the miter and table saw you'd be worlds ahead of where you are and have more cash in your pocket to boot over just buying all festool.

 

[Kev]

Everything you mention I already have and use. I'm not disappointed with it, so I can't say it's a bad idea.

Don't expect the TS75 + CMS to be an alternative to a serious table saw and you'll be OK.

 

[Max Demian]

Hi Oliver,
If you are planning on building cabinets, doors, drawers and or doing repetitive cuts, the Kapex setup with limit stops is invaluable. And if you are doing shelf pin holes the LR-32 Holy rails and line boring jig are highly recommended. Choose the CT 26 instead of the mini and use masking tape to reuse the paper bags. The CMS sliding router table is a great choice for making cabinet doors.

 

[six-point socket]

Thanks for the advice so far

I had a feeling that a miter saw was deemed more important than the CMS table saw conversion parts. So it's pretty clear now that I'm going to buy a miter saw and ditch the conversion kit but get the TS 75 and large guide rail(s).

I think as far as the miter saw goes, I want to stay with the Kapex - it seems, an please correct me if I'm wrong, that it is the "end all"-miter saw. And I like the idea of buying once and being finished rather than buying a different miter saw, and still wanting the Kapex, and then buying the Kapex a year or a year and a half from now, instead of immediately...

Speaking of a jobsite table saw and DeWalt, my Festool dealer is also a DeWalt dealer according to the DeWalt website, unfortunately I've yet to see a single DeWalt tool/product in his store (except for a tool bag...) - So that brings up the problem of not being able to handle/experience the product before buying which I like to do. And I have zero experience with DeWalt.

Since I also like the "SawStop" (feature) and Bosch is launching a jobsite table saw with a similar safety feature, I'm thinking that that might be an option - although I will - as with DeWalt - have the same problem of not being able to handle/experience it live - as my Bosch Dealer is definitely not getting one on his own when they are out, unless I specifically order and take it....

Sometimes I ask myself how all this dealers survive when they can't even show half of the product lines live... Sorry for the rant...

Thank you Max for the additional advice regarding the router accessories!

The more I think about it, the more I think that a larger dust extractor is indeed a better option than going for the ultra-mobile or small variants.

Thanks everyone for all the advice, please keep it coming

Kind regards,
Oliver